Catastrophic Mudslides in Ethiopia claimed the lives of at least 229 people

In an unparalleled disaster, southwestern Ethiopia has faced devastating mudslides that have claimed the lives of at least 229 people. The disaster, marked as the deadliest of its kind in the region, unfolded in the Geze district following days of relentless heavy rainfall. The initial landslide struck the village between 8:30 and 9 a.m. on Monday, flattening several houses and trapping residents under tons of mud.

In an act of bravery and desperation, nearly 300 people from nearby villages rushed to the disaster site, digging frantically with their bare hands and shovels to save those buried alive. However, their heroic efforts were tragically interrupted about an hour later by a second, unexpected landslide. This subsequent slide of mud caught the rescuers off guard, burying many of them and significantly increasing the death toll.

This double blow highlighted the dangerous instability of the saturated soil. The second landslide served as a clear indicator that the land had significantly weakened, posing an ongoing threat to anyone in the vicinity. Most of the victims of the second landslide were men, including local teachers, healthcare workers, and even the local administrative leader who had hurried to aid in the rescue.

The Geze district, along with much of southwestern Ethiopia, is becoming increasingly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Prolonged droughts followed by intense storms and unpredictable rainfall patterns have made landslides more frequent and severe. Historical data show that while mudslides were once rare, they are now occurring with alarming regularity in new areas, forcing communities to face the dual threats of displacement and disaster.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that seasonal rains between April and May had already caused significant flooding, infrastructure damage, and displacement of thousands. This recent catastrophe underlines the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and climate resilience in the region.

As Ethiopia mourns the loss of so many lives, the tragedy underscores the critical importance of understanding and mitigating the effects of climate change. The resilience of the people, as seen in their immediate response to help one another, is commendable. However, this disaster serves as a stark reminder of the relentless power of nature and the ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable regions.

The video contains footage of the aftermath of these catastrophic landslides.